audiopinions

Enter Shikari – A Flash Flood of Colour
[Hopeless Records]
9.5/10

In 2011 there was Skrillex, The Browning, and the Korn dub step album. We then celebrated New Year’s hoping for a new beginning, only to realize that in a little over two weeks we start it all over again with Enter Shikari’s A Flash Flood of Colour. The difference from the 2011 offerings and Enter Shikari is the fact that Enter Shikari has actually blended genres together to create something new and interesting. “System…” features electronica and orchestral elements while the vocals bring to memory La Dispute., then “…Meltdown” starts with the line, “this is going to change everything,” and an explosion of dub step and drum and bass is added to the mix. Enter Shikari becomes the first scene band to successfully incorporate dub step into post-hardcore and not have it come off as gimmicky or cheesy. With their back discography though, this was an expected and simple transition for the band. Before it is asked, yes there are breakdowns. Yet they have survived the generic gas that most bands have seemed to inhale. The one on “Sssnakepit” sounds spectacular with the added deepness that was added to it. Then probably the most epic breakdown ever wrote is included on the end of “Gandhi Mate, Gandhi” with almost every influence they have included in it. Vocally, the singing has such a great quality to it and makes the band sound unique in the post-hardcore ocean. Then on “Arguing With Thermometers” the singer adds his English accent into the euro dance-rock vocal style and creates something relatable yet extremely memorable. The screaming is not the best yet it sounds well enough for the amount it is used throughout the release. Enter Shikari has crafted an album packed with many different influences and elements that is purely spectacular and should draw any listener in. A Flash Flood of Colour may be the first in a long line of great and innovative 2012 releases.